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Living at the Edge of the World – Spring follows 12-year-old twins who uncover an ancient artifact in the peat banks of Papala Island, Shetland leading them on a journey filled with insight about community, courage, and belonging. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is the second book in my Papala Island series, and the inspiration came from observing how many youngsters today spend much of their time indoors, absorbed by screens—whether on their phones or playing video games. When I was their age, I was outside with my friends, walking dogs, riding bikes, building camps, and hanging upside down from climbing frames.
I wanted to write stories that would spark a sense of adventure in kids, setting them in a relatively safe environment, away from constant WiFi and the influence of social media. The irony? Social media is woven deeply into the story itself! There’s no escaping it, so instead, I’ve embraced it—showing both its power and its pitfalls—while encouraging a balance that serves the greater good.
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
One of the biggest challenges was making sure the kids took center stage—driving the action—while keeping the adults in the background without them taking over the story, yet still creating a realistic world!
For the main antagonist, Tabitha, I wanted her to start as a spoiled brat, deeply unhappy about being stuck on a remote island, so far from trendy London. Her character arc in the first book allowed her to grow and adapt to this rugged new life. The challenge in the second book was pushing that growth even further while also bringing her brother, Timothy, more into the spotlight.
Beyond the twins, I have two other key young characters: Fenella, a local girl who provides insight and guidance, and Omar, a refugee who has just arrived on the island and instantly connects with its wildlife. Each of them brings a different perspective, but the central challenge remains—how to empower the kids realistically to have their own adventures without adults overshadowing the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the key themes in this book is the sense of belonging. With three of the main characters coming from vastly different backgrounds—London and Syria—there are inevitable cultural differences, and exploring how they navigate them fascinates me. Living at the Edge of the World – Spring delves into what it means to find a home in an unfamiliar place and how connections with people, nature, and history shape our sense of identity.
Shetland itself plays a huge role in this theme. It’s a place of contrasts—stunning yet rugged, remote yet welcoming, with a strong community spirit. To bring authenticity to my stories, I weave in as much real-life detail as possible, drawing from both research and my ongoing penpal relationship with a Shetland ranger. Learning about daily life in a tiny community of just 30 people has given me invaluable insight into the unique rhythms and challenges of island living.
Another key theme is archeology, which naturally ties into Viking history and mythology. The book explores the ethical dilemma of discoveries—where should ancient artefacts belong? Should they stay in the place they were found, or be taken elsewhere for preservation? The kids actively debate this, and their perspectives evolve as they uncover not just deeper insight into historical artefacts, but also have to actively defend their discovery.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
The next book in the series, Living at the Edge of the World – Summer, follows the twins as they return to Papala Island for their summer holidays—this time by choice. They’ve grown deeply connected to their friends, the wildlife, and the island’s way of life, eager to continue their journey.
In this adventure, I’ll be exploring ocean pollution—not just as an environmental issue, but as a personal challenge that affects each character differently.
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Living at the Edge of the World – Spring is a vivid tale of adventure, tradition, and belonging set on a remote Shetland island.
Twelve-year-old twins, Tabitha and Timothy, are nearing the end of their three-month stay in Papala before returning to London. Determined to make the most of their time, they throw themselves into island life—peat cutting, sheep shearing, and exploring the rugged landscape. But when they uncover Viking artefacts buried in the peat bog, their discovery stirs excitement and draws the attention of treasure hunters….
Living at the Edge of the World – Spring
Living at the Edge of the World – Spring by S.J. Barratt is an adventure-filled middle-grade novel that follows 12-year-old twins, Tabitha and Timothy, as they adjust to life on the remote island of Papala. Sent to live with their Great Uncle Tamhas while their parents sail the world, the twins encounter a way of life starkly different from their modern London upbringing. Tabitha, initially skeptical, misses her WiFi and social media, while Timothy embraces the island’s wonders, from crofting to peat cutting. But as they navigate their new reality, the island reveals secrets of its own Viking artifacts, legends of giants, and the challenge of preserving history while living in the present.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is how naturally it immerses readers in the rugged beauty of island life. The descriptions of Papala are vivid, making the wind, the sea, and the isolation feel tangible. Early on, the stark contrast between the twins’ reactions to the island sets up their character arcs beautifully. Tabitha’s obsession with social media, particularly her “#Living@TheEdge” platform, is a clever way of showing her struggle between connection and isolation. Meanwhile, Timothy’s love for soil experiments, crofting, and nature makes him an instantly likable, curious character. Their opposing views create some charming sibling tension, but more than that, it highlights the push and pull between modernity and tradition.
The book’s sense of adventure is captivating, particularly when it introduces elements of history and mythology. One of the most gripping moments is when the twins and their friend Fenella stumble upon a Viking helmet buried in the peat. The discovery sparks a debate, should the artifact stay in Shetland, or be sent to a major museum? The book doesn’t provide an easy answer, making readers think about the weight of history and the impact of social media in spreading (or distorting) information. Tabitha’s impulsive decision to post about the Viking find creates unexpected consequences, making this subplot both exciting and thought-provoking. The story doesn’t just entertain; it subtly educates, weaving Shetland’s history and crofting traditions into an engaging mystery.
That said, one of my favorite elements is the emotional depth beneath the adventure. The relationship between the twins evolves in a way that feels authentic. Tabitha, though initially resistant to island life, starts to appreciate its magic not just for social media clout but for real. Timothy, always enthusiastic, faces moments of doubt and responsibility. Their friendship with Fenella and Omar also adds layers to the story, as each character brings a different perspective. And then there’s Uncle Tamhas, the wise but humorous figure who acts as both guide and anchor in their island journey. His presence gives the book a warmth that balances its wilder elements.
Living at the Edge of the World – Spring is an engaging, heartwarming, and educational read, perfect for middle-grade readers who love adventure and discovery. The story blends humor, curiosity, and a touch of historical mystery, making it an easy recommendation for kids who enjoy books like The Island at the End of Everything or Swallows and Amazons. It’s also a great pick for young readers interested in the natural world, archaeology, or Scottish culture. With its mix of adventure and heartfelt moments, this book makes you want to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and look for a hidden story waiting to be uncovered.
Pages: 121 | ASIN : B0DWB36FKJ
LITERARY TITAN 